Update

Thought I would give you all a brief update...  I got my drain tube out yesterday.  Finally!   I'm still swollen.  I had to get some clothes from mom cause mine dont fit right now... my tummy is swollen and still sore but healing nicely. The plastic surgeon's office says all looks good for August 23rd but the nurse is going to double check with the doctor since the surgeries took place through my belly button.  NOW, why does it matter?  They take your belly button off and make you a new one anyway?  But better safe than sorry. My furbabies were so glad to see me.  They are enjoying me at home this week and loving on me.  I missed them so much!   My mother is recuperating nicely.  She was such a trooper and at the hospital every single moment.  I finally came home Sunday from her house so she could get rested up.  By talking to Mike and Tim, I learned some things about my mother that I didn't know.... she loves me and I have really learned a lot from her love.  I am so blessed to have a mother that loves me like she does.   Mike has been great.  He helped me with anything I needed after I got home, even made my bed two nights in a row on the sofa.  And yesterday chaufferred me around Nashville to all my appointments and by work to see co workers... then even came up to meet all of the coworkers who have heard about him for 5 yrs.  Best friends are a gift from God. Tim, new guy, developing relationship.  Enjoying things. That's all I have to say 'bout that, as Forest Gump would say.  lol Thanks to all of you guys for calls, cards, visits.  You are all very special to me and I am glad to have you in my life and as my friend.  I have missed you all and will be at the lunch bunch this month!

Hi Melinda! So glad to hear that you are on the mend!  I have missed seeing your posts.  You are in my prayers. Freddie

Hi Melinda. I am happy to hear that you  are getting better and have so much support around you. I know that had to have been rough to go through. Take it easy and I am sure you will  be back at it agian in no time!

So glad you are doing better and it is great to have you back! Hope you continue to heal and recover. I'll see you at the lunch!

So glad you are finally getting back to yourself!  I like the smile in your voice when you mention Tim. Hugz!

Welcome Back Melinda, Ellen

Glad to hear you are "finally" on the mend. You certainly had a rough go of it. Your mother is truly a gem. I know she considers herself blessed to have you for a daughter too. Is Tim the one I met on Thursday when I stopped by? He works at "that other hospital"? If it's the guy I'm thinking of...I got a really good feeling off of him. You seemed more relaxed even with the pain you were in. As for the belly button thing... All of the plastic surgeons I have heard speak say that they cut around the navel and leave it attached to it's "stump". After they bring the skin down to it's new position, they cut a hole and restitch the navel into it's new position. So, they don't create a "new" belly button, they move the old one. That is why it matters that you have had surgery near your belly button. If you have too much scar tissue from prior surgeries, they sometimes cannot salvage the belly button and you are left "buttonless".  I've been told that most surgeons doing a simple tummy tuck don't even bother to move the belly button. They just remove it with the excess skin. It's a cosmetic thing but I think I want to keep mine when I have my surgery.

Glad to see you doing well Melinda!! I am so happy for you and your plastic surgery, I'm sure it won't be a problem though!!

 See you on the 11th :-)

Isn't it funny how something like this can really bring your loved ones even closer to you than before. It sounds like you are a very blessed person to have a Mom who truly loves you and a best friend in which you can really depend on.

I'm glad you are at home with your fur babies and are doing well. I know they missed their mommy and are proud to have her home.

Take care of yourself.

Melissa